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Queensland prepares for a national tournament like no other.

They go international.

From playing teams abroad in Taiwan, to welcoming international clubs to their home state, Queensland is tactfully exposing their players to all sorts of different styles of baseball.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

They’ll hope it pays off at the upcoming national championships.

Let’s meet both sides.

U16 QUEENSLAND: BONDED, BATTLE-READY, TESTED AND CHASING A MEDAL

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Coached by Phil Overlack, this squad has been shaped through a demanding and thorough preparation phase.

Queensland has trained weekly since September, played a six-game series against a touring New Zealand U16 side, and completed multiple multi-day camps designed to test execution, resilience, and team defence.

“We’ve been training once a week since the start of September,” Overlack said. “Then we had camps where mornings were fundamentals and team defence, and afternoons were game play.”

The expectation is clear.

“Playing for a medal at the back end of the tournament,” Overlack said.

That belief is shared throughout the group. A defining feature of this Queensland team has been how quickly it has come together.

“This group has bonded really well,” Overlack said. “A lot of strike throwers and guys that just compete.”

Players feel that connection on and off the field.

“Our bond,” said Lewis Hill (Redlands Rays), when asked what stands out about the group.

“We are cohesive and all get along really well,” added Kai Flynn-Ballard (Redlands Rays).

Confidence has grown steadily through preparation.

“Confidence and belief in each other,” Overlack said, describing the biggest improvement he has seen since camp began.

That confidence is underpinned by significant big-game experience.

A large contingent of this Queensland squad previously represented Australia at the Junior League World Series with Brisbane North, giving the group first-hand exposure to international pressure, packed schedules, and win-or-go-home baseball. It’s experience that has shaped both belief and composure within the team.

Execution under pressure has been a major focus throughout camp.

“Making the routine play under pressure,” Overlack said. “And knowing all the team defence — bunt defence, first-and-thirds, everything.”

Several players echoed that mindset.

“Our fielding and pitching,” said Patrick Fogg (Narangba Demons), identifying the team’s foundation. Fogg is one of several Queenslanders who just returned from the U15 World Cup Qualifiers in Guam.

“Our team is extremely strong at picking each other up on and off the field,” said Zavier Leigh (Robina Braves). “We’re aggressive in all aspects of the game.”

Roster construction focused on balance and strike-throwing, giving Queensland flexibility across a long tournament.
“Just looking for a well-balanced squad,” Overlack said. “With a lot of strike throwers.”

That balance brings depth and multiple avenues to impact games.

Buzz Mechum (Surfers Paradise) returns for his second AYC as a left-handed centre fielder and pitcher, combining speed, strength, and consistency.

Will Bain (Pine Rivers Rapids) adds range and arm strength in the middle of the diamond.

Archer Peterson (Redcliffe Padres) arrives for his first AYC after starring at the U15 World Cup Qualifier, already recognised as one of the top athletes in the country for his age. He also represented Australia at the Junior League World Series.

Chase Crew (Redcliffe Padres), another World Series rep, returns after injury interrupted his pathway, bringing advanced game awareness and command.

Tyler Wilson (Pine Rivers Rapids) brings rare pedigree, having competed at Little League, Intermediate League, and Junior League World Series level.

Around them, Queensland’s depth continues.

Lachlan Pawsey (GBL) provides leadership behind the plate after international experience with Team Australia.

That exposure to big moments is something Overlack sees as a defining Queensland strength.

“A lot of these athletes have been to numerous World Series,” he said. “They’re competitive, good mates, and team-first.”

There is also an edge driving this group.

“As the coach, I was very disappointed with how we performed last year,” Overlack said. “We will be better this year.”

With belief growing, execution drilled, and a roster built to thrive under pressure, Queensland’s U16 group enters the Australian Youth Championships determined to turn experience into results.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Strike throwing across the staff

Queensland’s depth of strike-throwers gives them a chance to control tempo and limit free bases.

2. Execution in pressure moments

Routine plays and situational defence have been drilled relentlessly — especially valuable late in games.

3. Big-game composure

International World Series experience means this group understands pressure and pace when it matters most.

U18 QUEENSLAND: DEPTH, DISCIPLINE, AND BELIEF

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Queensland enters the Australian Youth Championships with a U18 group built on preparation, experience, and a growing belief in what this team can become.

Led by head coach David Badke, Queensland’s program has been shaped through a structured and demanding lead-in.

In fact, it’s a preparation like no other. They have played all over the world.

The group emerged from a statewide showcase series, then tested itself internationally at the U18 Taiwan International Tournament in New Taipei City, followed by a six-game series against New Zealand in mid-December.

Half the team travelled to Taiwan, with the remainder competing in the New Zealand series. The squad regrouped on 27 December for a four-day training camp.

“Preparation has been good,” Badke said. “We gave players opportunities to showcase themselves, then tested the group in international environments before locking in our final work. These pre-AYC tournaments offer an excellent opportunity to identify key areas of focus ahead of final preparations.”

Players felt the value of that exposure.

“Got to travel to Taiwan before with people from the Queensland team,” said Max Stefanutto (Windsor Royals). “It helped us come together as one.”

The expectations are grounded in process rather than prediction.

“To be competitive in every game, be consistent with our processes, and execute when opportunities present,” Badke said. “If we can do this, the results will take care of themselves.”

That kind team-first of approach helped Queensland win a national championship in 2023.

It’s reflected throughout the roster.

Queensland’s biggest strength lies in its pitching depth, bolstered by experienced returners and arms that have already competed at national and international level.

“Our roster is pretty consistent,” Badke said. “The pitching depth, with several older players returning, will be a real benefit.”

Pitcher Kobi Wise (Surfers Paradise Baseball Club) sees that depth as a defining feature.

“Our pitching staff,” he said, when asked about the team’s biggest strength. “Staying consistent will be key.”
The culture within the group has also continued to strengthen.

From an offensive standpoint, producing three to five runs will be key to supporting Queensland’s pitching depth and keeping the squad in games for longer periods.

“The culture has been positive,” Badke said. “The group has worked hard and looks like they’re being good teammates to each other.”

That sense of connection is echoed by players across clubs and regions.

“We work as a team and persevere through tough times,” said Leo McKenna (Windsor Royals).

“Our whole team gets along very well,” added Paddy McLoughlin (Redcliffe Padres). “Pitching will be a big standout this year.”

Defensively, Queensland has prioritised reliability and repeatable execution.

“Defence and being consistent,” Badke said, describing the focus of training sessions.

Outfielder Alonzo Zaire Griffin (Redcliffe Padres), who has been to multiple World Series events, pointed to the same theme.

“We’ve got heart and work together as a team,” he said, reflecting on how the group handles pressure.

One player poised for a strong national campaign is Patrick Crotty, whose journey over the past year has been anything but linear. Crotty pitched for Australia at the U18 World Cup and features a fast-ball approaching 90mph.

“Patrick has had a great year on the mound,” Badke said. “He’s was selected in the U18 World Cup Team and is progressing very well.”

Crotty has already been identified by selectors as a potential signing by a professional club.

“Hard throwing right-hander with control and excellent breaking stuff,” McLoughlin said of Crotty.

Queensland’s depth means impact can come from many areas.

Thomas Calvert (Redlands Rays) brings experience and durability, having represented Queensland and Australia multiple times.

Leo McKenna (Windsor Royals) anchors the left side of the infield with arm strength and international experience from Japan.

Blake McPherson (Pine Hills Lightning) adds athleticism in the outfield after multiple national campaigns.

Tirrell Waiwai (Brisbane North program) gives Queensland another power arm with big-game experience from Little League and Junior League nationals.

Across the roster, the common thread is development through opportunity — a strength Badke sees as central to baseball in the state.

“The development and performance programs, with some great coaches and mentors,” he said.

With international preparation behind them, pitching depth throughout the roster, and a growing belief in their identity, Queensland enters the U18 Australian Youth Championships ready to compete every day.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Pitching depth across the tournament

Queensland has multiple arms capable of starting, relieving, and matching up late. Managing innings will be a major advantage.

2. Defence setting the baseline

Consistency in the field has been a priority. Clean defence will allow Queensland’s pitching to control games.

3. Breakout performances from a deep roster

From Crotty and Wise on the mound to McKenna, Calvert, and McPherson around the diamond, Queensland has no shortage of players ready to step into big moments.

Introducing: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Roos, the newest team to compete in both divisions of the Australian Youth Championships (AYC).

Baseball Australia has confirmed a composite team will represent Canberra and provide additional opportunities for players and coaches from across Australia at the 2026 U18 and U16 National Championships (AYC) in Melbourne, January 7–15.

The ACT Roos have been established in partnership with Baseball Canberra to ensure players from the capital continue to be part of the AYC while the territory rebuilds its development and participation pathways.

Canberra has proudly fielded its own teams at past Championships, and this new model ensures that representation continues — with the added benefit of opening doors for players from other states who narrowly missed home-state selection.

“This is a support mechanism to give Baseball Canberra clear air to reset and enact their new pathways strategy,” said Michael Crooks, Baseball Australia’s General Manager – Performance Pathways & Player Development.

The ACT Roos builds on the Roos squad that competed in the 2025 U16 Championships, a team that featured just players from Queensland and Victoria.

“It does not mean exclusion from future events for ACT. In fact, it’s a bridge that allows Canberra’s top talent to stay involved while also giving more players around the country the opportunity to compete on the national stage,” adds Crooks.

The ACT Roos will compete in both the Under 16 and Under 18 divisions at the AYC.

Each team will include:
– Up to five Canberra-based players;
– Supported by one Canberra-based coach per team;
– Additional roster spots filled by players from Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland;
– A focus on development, competition, and national connection;

Logan Tudor, Baseball Canberra Chair, says he’s encouraged by the prospect of this model.

“Talented players and coaches from Canberra will help form the nucleus of that squad, alongside other athletes drawn from across the country. Baseball Canberra will always endeavour to send teams away to AYCs – but in cases where our numbers are low – the BA Roos model is a sensible alternative for our kids,” he says. “Best of luck to all those involved.”

Baseball Canberra General Manager Justin Oag reiterates that the ACT remains solely committed to providing local baseball talent the best possible environment for their growth within our game.

“Key to this, building on the success of the Baseball Canberra Pathways 25 program is the development and strategic delivery of a long term athletic development framework and return to high performance baseball, for which conversations have commenced and will continue with key stakeholders,” he says.

LOOK AND FEEL

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The team will have a unique look and feel.

The team’s look will feature yellow tops with the white Indigenous logo, white pants, and blue caps and accessories — blending ACT identity with national elements.

“We want Baseball Canberra and the ACT to remain recognisable within the event,” Crooks said

“The ACT Roos are a vehicle for Canberra to revive their standalone entry in future years, while giving more players from across the country the chance to experience elite competition and development.”

The composite structure supports Baseball Australia’s key objectives for the AYC — to showcase the nation’s best 140 players at each age group, deliver the highest possible level of competition, and provide development opportunities for players, coaches, umpires, and scorers.

Last year, one player from the ACT Roos’ U16 side impressed so strongly that he earned selection to the National Junior Squad, highlighting the value of this program in identifying and elevating emerging talent.

Above: The Roos at the 2025 U16 National Championship brought together talent from Victoria and New South Wales, coached by mentors from around the country. This year, the ACT will have representation on the squad.

Crooks acknowledged the teamwork shown across the country in supporting the new structure.

“I’d like to thank Justin Oag and the Baseball Canberra Board, led by Logan Tudor, for their collaboration and leadership,” he said.

“I’m also grateful to our state pathway leads — Andy Kyle, Austin Gallagher, Damian Shanahan, Grahame Cassel, and Nick Bachono — who put state patriotism aside to help find the best pathway forward for Canberra and for the development of Australian youth baseball.”

The ACT Roos will now begin assembling their teams ahead of the 2026 Australian Youth Championships.

The tournament schedule will be released soon.